Friends remember slain Officer Sean Gannon from childhood in Acushnet

ACUSHNET, Mass – Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon was killed in the line of duty while serving a probation warrant Thursday, but his friends will forever remember growing up with him in Acushnet.

Father Riley Williams went to high school with Gannon and is now a priest at St. Francis Xavier Church in the same town.

“Great guy to get to know. Someone who is always kind. Considerate and polite. He was dedicated, and someone who was always warm.” Williams said.

Gannon was part of the parish at St. Francis Xavier. He spent many years as altar boy here.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet, a day after finding out,” Williams said.

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His last memory of the 32-year-old slain officer, was from two years ago when Gannon pulled him over in the Hyannis area.

“I look at the speedometer, I pull over, and my heart is beating. Sean walks up, it’s something where, since graduation we saw each other once briefly in college,” he said.

Gannon always had a determined state of mind when it came to his career, as a police officer, according to Williams.

“He was someone who had incredible determination, very strong character, rooted in his family and faith,” he said.

As there are heavy hearts across the country for Gannon, Williams says, he will now try and start the heeling process.

"Part of catholic funeral right says, that at death, life is change, not ending," Williams said.
Williams said he of course is hurting for the family and wants them to know that they are on this journey of healing together.

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